EDITOR’S COMMENT: Catch hit and run coward who left a lad with his back broken in three places

James Michinson Pics.

Published:12:34Friday 18 January 2013

THIRTY thousand people buy the Derbyshire Times every week. Double that number view www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk and thousands of you now keep your finger on the pulse of what is happening in and around your community by following us on Twitter and Facebook.

That makes this historic organ a very powerful tool, and one which prides itself on working with the communities it serves, to do good.

Now, I sincerely hope that together –the DT and its readers – can help the Smith family to find the person who may have taken away a young man’s future.

Staveley lad Steven Smith was , IS, just embarking on a bright future as a hard-working bricklayer. His ambition to get himself a trade, work hard and become a contributing member of society.

The former Springwell College student had high hopes of knuckling down at Chesterfield College, and making a life for himself in the building trade.

Now he faces an anxious wait after a driver knocked him from his low-powered motorbike, leaving his back broken in three places. He was left stricken in the road before the callous 4x4 male driver jumped out, fired a volley of abuse at the youngster, then fled the scene.

Steven’s dad said he ‘would not have left a dog’ in the state his son was left in, and called for the coward that did it to come forward and face up to what he’s done.

Doctors say they are hopeful of being able to help Steven to make a recovery, but can make no guarantees that he’ll be able to fulfil his ambitions.

So if you’re the man with this on your conscience, hand yourself in, now. If you saw the collision take place, and you think you can help, call Derbyshire Police. It might be your child left with his dreams in tatters, next, if this person isn’t brought to book.